MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. inspected the ₱100-million R.M. Tan Solar Pump Irrigation Project (SPIP) in Barangay R.M. Tan, Ormoc City, underscoring the government’s efforts to modernize agriculture and boost food security through renewable energy.

The facility, the largest solar-powered irrigation project of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) in Eastern Visayas, is designed to irrigate 100 hectares of farmland for two cropping seasons each year, benefiting 92 farmers and their families.

The project consists of seven units of 10-horsepower solar-powered pumps across two sites. Officials said the system will replace costly diesel-powered pumps, providing farmers with a cheaper, cleaner, and more efficient source of irrigation.

The Ormoc project is part of a nationwide initiative to build more solar-powered irrigation systems, which aim to deliver long-term benefits to farmers while supporting the country’s renewable energy and sustainable development goals.

Marcos was joined by NIA Administrator Engr. Guillen, NIA Integrated Management Office for Biliran-Leyte del Norte-Leyte del Sur Manager Engr. Conrado M. Samson, personnel from NIA’s central and regional offices, officers of the R.M. Tan Irrigators Association, and farmer-beneficiaries.